Personal protective equipment (PPE) is used to create a protective barrier between a worker and hazards in the workplace. PPE includes such equipment as chemical resistant gloves, safety shoes, hard hats, safety glasses, respirators, and clothing such as gowns and aprons.

Scope

These procedures are intended to:

Assist departments and work units in completing hazard assessment surveys for PPE selection.

EHS is responsible to:

Procedures that Apply to All Work Locations

All work locations except offices and classrooms are required to complete a hazard assessment to determine whether hazards are present or likely to be present that would require the use of PPE. Even if PPE will not be required, completion of the hazard assessment is required.

Appendix A links to forms to use to fulfill OSHA’s requirement for a written certification of a hazard assessment. Shops, operations and maintenance, utility plants, business services, and academic areas that are not wet research labs should use the form “PPE Operations Hazard Assessment.” Research laboratories should use the form “Certification of Hazard Assessment for PPE Use – Research Labs.

If it is determined that no hazards exist or are likely to exist for which PPE use would be required, note this on the certification form and sign it.

A copy of the form should be kept on file in the department so a record of compliance can be produced for a regulatory inspection or audit.

Procedures that Apply Where PPE Use is Required

At work areas where the PPE hazard assessment survey determined that PPE use is required, procedures must be implemented for selection, use, maintenance, training, visitors, and periodic follow ups.

Selection, Use and Maintenance Procedures

The PPE Information and Training Guides in Appendix B provide general considerations for the categories and types of PPE, what they are used for, standards that govern their design, and guidelines for the wearing, limitations and care of PPE.

Only the appropriate type of PPE meeting certain specification criteria can be used. Therefore, when selecting protective clothing or equipment for specific chemical or biological material, it is best to directly consult the material safety data sheet and the manufacturer’s product specifications and testing data for that product. The Environmental Health & Safety Office may also be contacted for assistance.

Routine use PPE items such as gloves and goggles are available from University General Stores, Chem Stores, and BioChem Stores.

The employer (i.e., the department, unit, shop or lab in charge of or in control of a work location) must also ensure that PPE appropriate for that work location is available to and used by visitors to that work location. Visitors should be briefed on use of the PPE when it is provided to them.

Training Requirements
Initial training includes two parts: general awareness training and department training.

General Awareness Training
This part may be provided by the department or the employee may complete EHS’s online course. Employees working in research laboratories should take “PPE Awareness - Research Laboratories” and employees working at all other locations should take “PPE Awareness – Operations.”

Department-Specific Training
This part must be provided by the employing unit to address PPE selections specific to the work area.

Each employee that is required to use PPE must be trained on the following:

When PPE is necessary

What PPE is required

How to properly don, doff, adjust, and wear PPE

The limitations of the PPE

The proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of the PPE

Each employee must demonstrate an understanding of the training and the ability to handle the PPE properly.

The department must certify the training (keep a record) by documenting that the employee received and understood the material presented. Choices for acceptable records include:

The "Record for PPE Training" form in Appendix C

Record of completion of EHS online generic training is included in the individual’s HR Self Service Site “My Training” and departments retain the completed site specific training and information form.

Any alternative record that meets the requirements of OSHA standard 1910.132(f) for written training certifications which include the name of the employee trained, the date(s) of the training, and identification of the material presented in the training.

Repeat or Recurring Requirements

The OSHA standard on PPE does not have automatic annual repeating requirements.

Hazard assessments and training must be added to the existing program for: